Water tank and water purifier

By adopting a structure that connects the water storage chamber and the pressure detection chamber in the water purifier, and combining it with air pressure signal conversion technology, the problems of easy aging and limited accuracy of water level detection are solved, realizing accurate and continuous monitoring of water level height, and reducing maintenance costs and space occupation.

CN223984058UActive Publication Date: 2026-03-10NINGBO FOTILE KITCHEN WARE CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-04-07
Publication Date
2026-03-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing water level detection solutions in water purifiers are prone to aging, have limited detection accuracy, and are difficult to maintain. Traditional contact sensors suffer from electrochemical corrosion and complex mechanical structures, making it impossible to achieve continuous water level monitoring.

Method used

The system employs a structure that connects the water storage chamber and the pressure detection chamber within the main body of the water tank. It collects air pressure signals in real time through a detection air pipe and a water level detection module, and uses pressure-frequency conversion technology to achieve accurate and continuous monitoring of water level. The external sensor design avoids electrochemical corrosion and the space occupied by mechanical structures.

Benefits of technology

It enables precise and continuous monitoring of water level, improves detection accuracy and service life, reduces maintenance costs and space occupation, and supports stepless monitoring across the entire range from 0 to 100%.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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    Figure CN223984058U_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The utility model provides a water tank and a water purifier. The water tank comprises a water tank main body, a control module and a water level detection pipeline, the water tank body comprises a water storage cavity and a pressure detection cavity, and the water storage cavity is communicated with the pressure detection cavity. The control module is arranged at the top of the water tank body; the water level detection pipeline is arranged on the outer side of the water tank body and comprises a detection air pipe and a water level detection module. One end of the detection air pipe is connected with the detection end of the water level detection module, and the other end communicates with the pressure detection cavity; the output end of the water level detection module is connected with the control module, and the water level detection module is used for collecting air pressure in the detection air pipe and outputting water level frequency signals to the control module. The water storage cavity and the pressure detection cavity are formed in the water tank body and form water level synchronization through the communication structure, and the water level detection module collects air pressure data in real time and converts an air pressure value into a corresponding water level frequency signal. The control module receives the water level frequency signal and then achieves accurate and continuous monitoring of the water level height.
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Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of water tanks, in particular to a water tank and a water purifier. BACKGROUND

[0002] The water level detection schemes commonly used in current water purifiers mainly include two forms of water level probes and liquid level floats. Among them, the water level probe is usually made of stainless steel, which detects the change of conductivity between the probe and water to determine the water level state. However, this scheme has significant defects: when immersed in water for a long time, the surface of the stainless steel probe is prone to electrochemical corrosion and rust layer, which not only affects the conductivity of the probe, but also causes the contact resistance to increase, resulting in distortion or even complete failure of the water level detection signal, which seriously affects the detection accuracy and equipment reliability.

[0003] The liquid level float scheme triggers the electrical signal switch at a specific position through the vertical displacement of the mechanical float, and its limitation mainly lies in the discreteness of the detection function. The existing technology can only realize fixed single-point or double-point water level detection, and cannot continuously monitor the water level height in the water tank, which limits the real-time response ability of the system to the change of water level. In addition, the mechanical structure of the float needs to occupy a large installation space, which easily causes the compression of the effective volume of the water tank.

[0004] The physical invasive installation method of the traditional contact sensor not only increases the complexity of the water tank structure, but also accelerates the material aging of the detection element exposed to the water environment for a long time, causing problems such as scale deposition and biofilm attachment. These problems collectively cause the detection accuracy to decay nonlinearly with time, and the water tank parts need to be disassembled for maintenance, significantly increasing the use cost. SUMMARY

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present application is to overcome the defects of the existing water level detection scheme, such as easy aging, limited detection accuracy and difficult maintenance, and to provide a water tank and a water purifier.

[0006] The present application solves the above technical problems by the following technical scheme:

[0007] In a first aspect, a water tank is provided, comprising a water tank main body control module and a water level detection pipeline;

[0008] The water tank main body comprises a water storage cavity and a pressure detection cavity, and the water storage cavity is in communication with the pressure detection cavity;

[0009] The control module is arranged at the top of the water tank main body;

[0010] The water level detection pipeline is arranged outside the water tank main body, and the water level detection pipeline comprises a detection air pipe and a water level detection module;

[0011] The detection air pipe has one end connected with the detection end of the water level detection module and the other end communicated with the pressure detection cavity.

[0012] The output end of the water level detection module is connected with the control module, and the water level detection module is used for collecting the air pressure in the detection air pipe and outputting a water level frequency signal to the control module.

[0013] Optionally, the pressure detection cavity is along the bottom of the water tank body, and one side of the pressure detection cavity shares the same side surface as the water tank body as a detection connecting surface, the detection connecting surface is provided with a first detection hole, and one end of the detection air pipe is connected with the first detection hole.

[0014] Optionally, the pressure detection cavity comprises a detection cavity body and an inspection bottom plate, and the bottom of the detection cavity body is provided with an inspection opening, and the inspection bottom plate is matched with the inspection opening.

[0015] Optionally, a sealing ring is arranged between the inspection bottom plate and the inspection opening.

[0016] Optionally, the water tank body further comprises an extension pipeline, the pressure detection cavity is arranged outside the water tank body, the bottom of the water tank body is provided with a second detection hole, one end of the extension pipeline is connected with the second detection hole, and the other end of the extension pipeline is connected with the pressure detection cavity.

[0017] Optionally, a sealing member is arranged at the connecting end of the extension pipeline and the second detection hole.

[0018] Optionally, the sealing member is a sealing ring or a sealing glue.

[0019] Optionally, the water tank body further comprises a water inlet valve, the control module is electrically connected with the water inlet valve, and the control module is used for adjusting the opening degree of the water inlet valve according to the water level frequency signal.

[0020] Optionally, the water tank body further comprises a water outlet valve, the water outlet valve is connected with the bottom of the water tank body, the water outlet valve is further electrically connected with the control module, and the control module is further used for driving the opening and closing of the water outlet valve according to the water level frequency signal.

[0021] In the second aspect, a water purifier is provided, comprising the water tank of the first aspect.

[0022] On the basis of conforming to the common knowledge in the art, the optional conditions can be combined at will, and each optional example of the present disclosure is obtained.

[0023] The significant advantages of this invention are as follows: By incorporating a water storage chamber and a pressure detection chamber within the main body of the water tank, the two chambers are connected to achieve synchronized water levels. When the water level in the storage chamber rises or falls, the water level in the pressure detection chamber changes by the same amount, thereby altering the volume and pressure of the enclosed gas inside. A detection air tube, acting as a sealed airway, connects at one end to the top gas space of the pressure detection chamber and at the other end to the detection end of the water level detection module. When the water level in the pressure detection chamber changes, the gas space is compressed or expanded, causing a corresponding change in the air pressure within the detection air tube. The water level detection module incorporates a pressure sensor and signal processing circuitry to collect air pressure data in real time and converts the air pressure value into a corresponding water level frequency signal using pressure-frequency conversion technology. After receiving the water level frequency signal, the control module uses a preset algorithm to deduce the current water level height, achieving accurate and continuous monitoring of the water level. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Fig. 1 A first structural schematic diagram of a water tank provided as an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0025] Fig. 2 A cross-sectional view of a first structural schematic diagram of a water tank provided as an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Fig. 3 A schematic diagram of the second structure of a water tank provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0027] Fig. 4 A cross-sectional view of a second structural schematic diagram of a water tank provided for an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The present invention will be further illustrated by way of embodiments below, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0029] The prefixes such as "first" and "second" used in this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not limit the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the described objects. The use of ordinal numbers and other prefixes used to distinguish descriptive objects in this disclosure does not constitute a limitation on the described objects. The description of the described objects is given in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and should not be construed as an unnecessary limitation. Furthermore, in the description of this embodiment, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more.

[0030] Example 1

[0031] This embodiment provides a water tank, such as... Figs. 1 to 4 As shown, it includes a water tank body 100, a control module 200, and a water level detection pipeline 300;

[0032] The water tank body 100 includes a water storage chamber 110 and a pressure detection chamber 120, and the water storage chamber 110 is connected to the pressure detection chamber 120.

[0033] The control module 200 is located on the top of the water tank body 100;

[0034] The water level detection pipeline 300 is located on the outside of the water tank body 100, and the water level detection pipeline 300 includes a detection air pipe 320 and a water level detection module 310;

[0035] One end of the detection tube 320 is connected to the detection end of the water level detection module 310, and the other end is connected to the pressure detection chamber 120;

[0036] The output terminal of the water level detection module 310 is connected to the control module 200. The water level detection module 310 is used to collect the air pressure in the detection air tube 320 and output a water level frequency signal to the control module 200.

[0037] In this design, a water storage chamber 110 and a pressure detection chamber 120 are provided inside the main body of the water tank 100. These two chambers are connected to achieve synchronized water levels. When the water level in the storage chamber 110 rises or falls, the water level in the pressure detection chamber 120 changes by the same amount, thereby altering the volume and pressure of the enclosed gas inside. A detection air pipe 320 serves as a sealed air passage, with one end connected to the top gas space of the pressure detection chamber 120 and the other end connected to the detection end of the water level detection module 310. When the water level in the pressure detection chamber 120 changes, the gas space is compressed or expanded, causing a corresponding change in the air pressure within the detection air pipe 320. The water level detection module 310 incorporates a pressure sensor and signal processing circuitry to collect air pressure data in real time and converts the air pressure value into a corresponding water level frequency signal using pressure-frequency conversion technology. The controller module 200 includes a motherboard and a CPU (Central Processing Unit). After receiving the water level frequency signal, the control module 200 analyzes the current water level height using a preset algorithm, achieving accurate and continuous monitoring of the water level.

[0038] Meanwhile, both the detection air tube 320 and the water level detection module 310 are located outside the water tank, and the sensors do not come into direct contact with the water, completely avoiding the electrochemical corrosion and scale deposition problems of traditional probes and floats, significantly improving service life; the water level height is reflected in real time through air pressure changes, supporting continuous monitoring of the full range from 0 to 100%, breaking through the limitations of traditional float single-point or multi-point detection; the external design of the detection pipeline eliminates the need to install complex mechanical structures inside the water tank, saving installation space, and maintenance does not require disassembling the main body of the water tank 100; the modular design supports independent replacement of the water level detection unit, reducing maintenance costs.

[0039] As one possible approach, the pressure detection chamber 120 is disposed along the bottom of the water tank body 100, and one side of the pressure detection chamber 120 shares the same side as the water tank body 100 as a detection connection surface. A first detection hole 121 is provided on the detection connection surface, and one end of the detection air pipe 320 is connected to the first detection hole 121.

[0040] In this design, the pressure detection chamber 120 is located at the bottom of the water tank body 100, forming a low-level parallel communication structure with the water storage chamber 110, ensuring that the water levels in both chambers are always synchronized and without lag. When the water level in the water storage chamber 110 fluctuates, water quickly flows into or out of the pressure detection chamber 120 through the bottom communication structure, achieving instantaneous transmission of water level changes and avoiding detection delays caused by differences in chamber height or tortuous paths. The detection air pipe 320 is rigidly connected directly to the first detection hole 121 through a sealed joint, forming the shortest air path and minimizing pressure loss and external interference during gas transmission. Preferably, the joint between the detection air pipe 320 and the first detection hole 121 is a quick-release joint.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the pressure detection chamber 120 includes a detection chamber body and an inspection base plate 122, with an inspection port provided at the bottom of the detection chamber body, and the inspection base plate 122 matching the inspection port.

[0042] In this solution, the inspection base plate 122 can be quickly disassembled, allowing for internal cleaning of the cavity or sensor calibration without the need for specialized tools, thus shortening maintenance time. Preferably, the inspection base plate 122 is made of transparent material, enabling external visual inspection of the synchronized water level status, reducing the difficulty of fault diagnosis, and is especially suitable for scenarios with turbid water.

[0043] As one possible approach, a sealing ring is provided between the inspection base plate 122 and the inspection port.

[0044] In this design, a sealing ring structure prevents water stains and impurities from seeping into the gas path, ensuring the stability of gas pressure signal transmission and extending the service life of gas path components in high-temperature and high-humidity environments. Preferably, a combination of silicone sealing rings and labyrinth seals can be used for double protection to improve the sealing effect.

[0045] As one possible approach, an extension tube 123 is also included. The pressure detection chamber 120 is disposed outside the water tank body 100. A second detection hole 124 is provided at the bottom of the water tank body 100. One end of the extension tube 123 is connected to the second detection hole 124, and the other end of the extension tube 123 is connected to the pressure detection chamber 120.

[0046] In this design, the second detection hole 124 at the bottom of the water tank body 100 is connected to an extension pipe 123 to transmit the static water pressure at the bottom of the water tank to an external, independent pressure detection chamber 120. When the water level in the tank changes, the static water pressure generated by the water column height acts on the gas / liquid medium in the extension pipe 123 through the second detection hole 124, driving the gas volume in the pressure detection chamber 120 to compress or expand, thereby changing the gas pressure value. The pressure detection chamber 120 is located outside the water tank body 100, forming a physically isolated detection unit through the extension pipe 123, completely freeing up the internal space of the water tank, improving the volume utilization rate of the water storage chamber 110, avoiding occupying the installation depth of the water tank, and adapting to ultra-thin water tanks. The external pressure detection chamber 120 can be hot-swapped, allowing for quick maintenance or upgrades of the detection module without emptying the water tank.

[0047] As one possible approach, a seal is provided at the connection end between the extension tube 123 and the second detection hole 124.

[0048] In this design, sealant is applied to the connection between the extension pipe 123 and the second detection hole 124 to achieve end-face sealing through axial preload. When changes in water temperature within the tank cause thermal expansion and contraction of the material, the elastic modulus of the seal adaptively adjusts to maintain the long-term airtightness of the gas and / or liquid circuits. The pressure of the medium within the extension pipe 123 is transmitted seamlessly to the pressure detection chamber 120 through the rigid interface of the seal, avoiding localized pressure distortion caused by stress concentration in traditional threaded connections and improving detection accuracy.

[0049] As one possible approach, the seal is a sealing ring or a sealant.

[0050] In this solution, multi-layer composite seals, such as a combination of silicone O-rings and PTFE gaskets, can be used, along with a dual fixing method of clamp locking and seal pre-compression, to achieve a stable leakage rate at the sealing interface.

[0051] As one possible approach, an inlet valve is also included, with the control module 200 electrically connected to the inlet valve, and the control module 200 used to adjust the opening degree of the inlet valve according to the water level frequency signal.

[0052] In this solution, based on the water level frequency signal continuously output by the water level detection module 310, the control module 200 converts the signal into a real-time water level height value. The control module 200 presets a target water level range, and when it detects that the current water level is below the lower limit or above the upper limit, it adjusts the opening of the inlet valve. Preferably, the control module 200 embeds an adaptive PID (proportional-integral-derivative) control algorithm to dynamically calculate the adjustment amount of the inlet valve opening based on the water level deviation. This can compress the water level fluctuation range, significantly improve control accuracy compared to traditional mechanical float valves, eliminate the problem of frequent equipment start-up and shutdown caused by water level oscillations, reduce the energy consumption of the inlet pump, and avoid water hammer response.

[0053] As one possible approach, a drain valve is also included, which is connected to the bottom of the water tank body 100 and is also electrically connected to the control module 200. The control module 200 is also used to drive the opening and closing of the drain valve according to the water level frequency signal.

[0054] In this solution, a two-way dynamic balance system for the water level in the tank is constructed by coordinating the drain valve and the inlet valve. The inlet valve and the outlet valve are not opened at the same time. The drain valve at the bottom of the tank is used to dynamically drain water when the tank is idle for a long time to prevent the growth of bacteria in the tank.

[0055] The water tank provided in this embodiment has a water storage chamber and a pressure detection chamber inside the main body. The two chambers are connected to achieve synchronized water level. When the water level in the storage chamber rises or falls, the water level in the pressure detection chamber changes by the same amount, thereby changing the volume and pressure of the enclosed gas inside. A detection air tube serves as a sealed air passage, with one end connected to the top gas space of the pressure detection chamber and the other end connected to the detection end of the water level detection module. When the water level in the pressure detection chamber changes, the gas space is compressed or expanded, causing a corresponding change in the air pressure within the detection air tube. The water level detection module has a built-in pressure sensor and signal processing circuit, which collects air pressure data in real time and converts the air pressure value into a corresponding water level frequency signal using pressure-frequency conversion technology. After receiving the water level frequency signal, the control module analyzes the current water level height using a preset algorithm, achieving accurate and continuous monitoring of the water level height.

[0056] Example 2

[0057] This embodiment provides a water purifier, which includes the water tank described in Embodiment 1.

[0058] The water purifier in this solution includes at least one water tank, which can be used as a storage tank, hot water tank, or cold water tank, etc., to hold different types of water in the water purifier.

[0059] The water purifier provided in this embodiment has a water storage chamber and a pressure detection chamber inside the water tank. The two chambers are connected to each other to synchronize water levels. When the water level in the storage chamber rises or falls, the water level in the pressure detection chamber changes by the same amount, thereby changing the volume and pressure of the enclosed gas inside. A detection air tube, acting as a sealed air passage, connects one end to the top gas space of the pressure detection chamber and the other end to the detection end of the water level detection module. When the water level in the pressure detection chamber changes, the gas space is compressed or expanded, causing a corresponding change in the air pressure within the detection air tube. The water level detection module has a built-in pressure sensor and signal processing circuit that collects air pressure data in real time and converts the air pressure value into a corresponding water level frequency signal using pressure-frequency conversion technology. After receiving the water level frequency signal, the control module uses a preset algorithm to analyze the current water level height, achieving accurate and continuous monitoring of the water level height of each water body in the water purifier.

[0060] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that these are merely illustrative examples, and the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, but all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A water tank characterized by, The water tank comprises a water tank body, a control module and a water level detection pipeline. The water tank body comprises a water storage cavity and a pressure detection cavity, and the water storage cavity is in communication with the pressure detection cavity. The control module is arranged on the top of the water tank body. The water level detection pipeline is arranged outside the water tank body, and comprises a detection air pipe and a water level detection module. One end of the detection air pipe is connected with the detection end of the water level detection module, and the other end is in communication with the pressure detection cavity. The output end of the water level detection module is connected with the control module, and the water level detection module is used for collecting the air pressure in the detection air pipe and outputting a water level frequency signal to the control module.

2. The water tank according to claim 1, characterized in that The pressure detection cavity is arranged along the bottom of the water tank body, and one side of the pressure detection cavity shares the same side surface with the water tank body as a detection connecting surface.

3. The water tank according to claim 2, characterized in that The detection connecting surface is provided with a first detection hole, and one end of the detection air pipe is connected with the first detection hole.

4. The water tank according to claim 3, characterized in that The pressure detection cavity comprises a detection cavity body and an inspection bottom plate.

5. The water tank according to claim 1, characterized in that The bottom of the detection cavity body is provided with an inspection port, and the inspection bottom plate is matched with the inspection port.

6. The water tank according to claim 5, characterized in that A sealing ring is arranged between the inspection bottom plate and the inspection port.

7. The water tank according to claim 6, characterized in that The pressure detection cavity is arranged outside the water tank body.

8. The water tank according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The bottom of the water tank body is provided with a second detection hole.

9. The water tank according to claim 8, characterized in that One end of the extension pipeline is connected with the second detection hole, and the other end of the extension pipeline is connected with the pressure detection cavity.

10. A water purifier characterized by comprising: A sealing member is arranged at the connection end of the extension pipeline and the second detection hole. The sealing member is a sealing ring or a sealing glue. The control module is electrically connected with a water inlet valve. The control module is used for adjusting the opening degree of the water inlet valve according to the water level frequency signal. The control module is also electrically connected with a water outlet valve. The control module is also used for driving the opening and closing of the water outlet valve according to the water level frequency signal. The water tank comprises the water tank according to any one of claims 1 to 9.